Volunteer Center of Lehigh Valley

Each Saturday starting in April we invite visitors to discover history and fun at Burnside Plantation!  Visitors will be able to learn more about the barns, buildings, and gardens that have been a part of the Bethlehem community since 1748. Fun outdoor activities and crafts are provided for kids!

Saturdays at Burnside open hours activities take place every Saturday from 10 am - 12 noon.  Volunteers who are available at least one Saturday each month are preferred. Volunteers will be given training when required.  Please contact Keith Sten at ksten@historicbethlehem.org if you are interested in learning more about our volunteer opportunities at Burnside Plantation.

The following volunteer positions are needed to provide visitors with a fun and engaging experience:

• Summer Kitchen Demonstrator - Summer Kitchen demonstrators work with our foodways volunteer lead to learn about colonial cooking practices and share that information with visitors. Volunteers require training in colonial cooking and kitchen safety and will be able to demonstrate colonial cooking practices in the kitchen.  Volunteers may be expected to wear a period appropriate costume provided to them. 

• Volunteer Docent - Volunteer Burnside docents will learn and be able to share the history of Burnside Plantation and guide visitors near the Burnside House and Johnson Barn.  Volunteers must be able to talk with groups of visitors of all ages.  

• Kids’ Activity Volunteer - Kids activity volunteers demonstrate the crafts and activity offerings provided each week.  Volunteers should have experience working with students and/or family-friendly activities. 

• Pop-up Shop Volunteer - Burnside pop-up shop volunteers assist visitors in the shop space and manage store transactions.  

• Burnside Greeter - Burnside Greeters welcome visitors to Burnside Plantation and help provide information about weekly activities.  Volunteers may be asked to assist with other activity offerings as needed. 

Masks are mandatory for all staff, volunteers and visitors!